3. Battlemechs (Mechassault): For anyone who has ever wanted to pilot a giant, ass-kicking robot designed to bring a whole lot of pain to a fight, this is where it all started. Battlemechs have been around almost as long as video games have in one incarnation or another and while they’ve certainly had their reimaginings and metaphorical growing pains, there is no doubt in my mind that anyone who got into the chair of one of those beasts wouldn’t feel immediately at home with the sheer amount of firepower at their disposal. For any gamer who isn’t aware of this game, regardless of it being an original Xbox title, I say this – Shame on you. It’s one of the best franchises to give life to one of the best modes of transportation, which can coincidentally destroy entire cities, ever.
2. Vital Suit “VS” (Lost Planet: Extreme Condition): When confronted by giant bugs that want nothing more that to tear your face off and eat it for breakfast, nothing says “problem solved!” like the Vital Suit. Powered by thermal energy and initially designed solely to battle the Akrid on E.D.N III – there is a whole lot of hurt in this proportionally small package. Capable of being modularly armed with just about any weapon able to fit the size class of the piloted VS, there is no excuse in the universe while these shouldn’t be spewing out a heinous amount of ammunition is any direction the enemy is. And if a giant bug the size of a skyscraper is bearing down on you that is exactly what you should be doing. Why trust in a simple can of ‘Raid’ or an assault rifle when twin Gatling guns can offer you such a greater degree of comfort? In the event the vehicle suffers catastrophic damage, it isn’t like you can’t dismount and take matters into your own hands, provided you can carry the heavy weapon and fire it. Oh wait, I forgot – if you’re badass enough to pilot a VS – you can carry a giant, goddamn gun. And if you can’t – Man up, Nancy Boy.
1. SSV Normandy SR-1 (Mass Effect): The Normandy is probably one of the best starfaring vessels I have ever laid eyes on, and why shouldn’t it be? It’s sleek, sexy, able to fly me between galaxies, armed to the teeth and has enabled me to pick up at least one woman in the deep, dark void of the universe. Even better is that all that awesome is able to be contained in a mere 3 decks of starship. Initially classified by the Alliance as a “Deep Recon” starship, it is obvious just how impressively equipped the ship is in that it can remain off any sort of detection device at the discretion of the commander. Additionally, should the ship be engaged, it is more than capable of defending itself as was evidenced at the Battle of the Citadel towards the end of Mass Effect. And while the ship does get destroyed within the first several minutes of the sequel, without a doubt, it’s always difficult to forget your first.
So, what’d you think? Not too bad if I do say so myself, but then again I wouldn’t pass up a sweet ride if I was walking down a street lined with petting zoos, circuses and every other conceivably awesome thing in the world. Was there something we missed or did you think another ride deserved to have the cherished top spot? Hit up our forums and be sure to let us know, otherwise we won’t. As always, keep your eyes fixed and your wheels parked here at PlanetXbox360 for the latest new, previews and reviews of your favorite Microsoft console.
